Every classic car collector has a deep and abiding love for the vehicles he or she has managed to acquire over a lifetime in the endeavor. Naturally, they tend to feel that they have the very best, but they also know that most of the time the Holy Grail is still out there, eluding them. That’s what makes classic car shows such huge hits regardless of how many cars are on the scene. When it comes to which show is the best, the Holy Grail tends to gravitate toward the Lake Bluff Concours d’Elegance of Southwest Michigan.
Organizers of that remarkable show are now accepting applications from automobile owners for the 13th annual event to be held Saturday, August 12, 2017, along the historic Lake Bluff Park in St. Joseph.
The Lake Bluff Concours d’Elegance of Southwest Michigan is a highly regarded invitational show featuring automobiles from the Brass, Classic, Vintage, and Muscle Car eras, as well as an array of special-interest vehicles. Vehicles eligible for inclusion must be at least 35 years old, and be restored to stock specifications, or be in very good original condition.
All owners whose automobiles meet that criteria are encouraged to apply. The committee is also seeking automobiles that fit the following special categories for this year’s show:
- Art deco-styled vehicles from the 1920s – 1940s (Featured Marque)
- Three P’s of Luxury: Peerless, Pierce-Arrow, and Packard
- The Last of Best: Swan Song Cars – cars from the final year of production of their make or model through 1982
- 50th anniversary of the Camaro’s introduction – Camaros from all years of production will be considered for this category
- Mustangs – Mustangs from all years of production will be considered for this category
The display of Mustangs will coincide with the honoring of this year’s featured designer Patrick Schiavone who is credited with saving the Mustang with his 1994 design refresh of the iconic pony car.
Those interested in submitting an application are invited to apply online by clicking this link: www.ConcoursSWMI.com. Paper applications also are available. Contact Anne Odden at oddena@mac.com to receive a paper application or for more information. Please take note: The application deadline is March 31, 2017.
The event, which attracted nearly 3,000 spectators in 2016, includes a display of 75 vehicles along tree-lined Lake Bluff Park in downtown St. Joseph overlooking Lake Michigan. A three-part afternoon Pass in Review of all the vehicles is narrated by auto authority F. Edward Lucas II, who has been with the Lake Bluff Concours d’Elegance of Southwestern Michigan since its inception in 2005. Lucas is also the voice of some of the most prestigious Concours events in the U.S. including the Amelia Island Concours e’Elegance, Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance, and Hemmings Concours d’Elegance.
Net proceeds from the Lake Bluff Concours benefit Hospice at Home, a Lakeland Health Affiliate. Those businesses and individuals interested in sponsoring the 2017 Lake Bluff Concours d’Elegance of Southwest Michigan should contact Odden at oddena@mac.com.
More information about the event can be found by clicking this link: www.ConcoursSWMI.com and you can follow the latest updates all the time at their Facebook page by click the link below:
